Regional health and fitness market tops USD1bn

A first time exhibitor at Sportex Middle East and Gulf Stadia 2004 - the region's premier sports and leisure show - Passion 4 Health plans to establish an office in Dubai before the end of the year, targeting sales of US $200,000 per month.

Steven L Beldner, the company's Executive Vice President, estimates Middle East sportsmen and women currently consume over half a million US dollars worth of performance related supplements annually.

"The demand for nutrition, performance enhancement and pain relief products is being driven by greater awareness of the benefits these products bring to sportsmen and women," said Beldner. "Throughout the region there is a growing desire to be fit and healthy. People are also more willing to discuss their personal health."

Another first time exhibitor at Sportex Middle East and Gulf Stadia 2004 is China Zhejiang Yingtemei Fitness Equipment Company, from China's ZheJiang Province, which currently exports treadmills worth over US $10 million of treadmills to the region, 8% of the company's exports.

According to Chen Xin Yoa, Chairman of the Board and General Manager China, the Middle East is the company's second biggest market after the US, which accounts for exports worth US $25 million. "There are over 2,700 small and medium size and 5-Star hotels in the UAE, many of which want the latest equipment for their fitness centres.

"We expect to see sales continue to grow strongly. We received many enquiries on the first day of Sportex which we are confident of converting into post-show sales."

The UAE's Gymcare General Trading is only six months old but it is already targeting sales of US $ 137,000 a month. Faisal Al Marri, President, says the size of the health and fitness market in the UAE will continue to expand strongly, driven by continued investment in hotels and fitness centres.

"There are over 54 fitness centres in Dubai alone and more are being opened every month. Both new and existing clubs want the latest equipment, so there will always be a healthy market for fitness equipment."

The Dubai-based company has an aggressive expansion strategy and is already planning offices in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.

Another rapidly growing health and fitness segment is cycling. Despite the challenges posed by the region's climate, more and more people are including cycling in their fitness schedules, according to Wolfgang Homann, General Manager UAE, Wolfi's Bike Shop.

Another first time exhibitor at Sportex Middle East and Gulf Stadia, Wolfi's Bike Shop has seen demand for cycling equipment and bikes increase five fold in the two years it has been operating in Dubai, generating monthly sales of US $11,000.

"In 2003 we sold 400 bikes. This year we anticipate sales of up to 700. Nine out of every ten bikes are bought by expats but we are seeing increased interest from UAE nationals," said Homann.

Although trick, trekking, hybrid and mountain bikes account for almost half of the company's sales, Homann said there was growing interest in Triathlon bikes and equipment, especially among high-paid executives, doctors and lawyers. "They are all successful and Triathlons provide them with another challenge in their life," he added.

Exhibitors from 17 countries spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, Sub Continent and the Far East are targeting the region's sports and leisure market which is demonstrating annual growth of 23%, at Sportex Middle East and Gulf Stadia 2004, organised by International Expo-Consults (IEC).

Among the countries represented at the event will be China with its first Sportex national pavilion housing nine companies. South Africa will be represented for the first time. Other exhibitors were from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Lebanon, Pakistan, Taiwan, The Netherlands, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Iran and the UAE.

"People of all ages are increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating well, enjoying sport and recreation, fitness and personal appearance," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC. "As a result the region's fitness, health and sports industries are expanding rapidly and this is reflected in Sportex Middle East and Gulf Stadia's own double-digit annual growth."